Russian gay rights leader Nikolai Alexeyev (sometimes spelled Alekseev) is holding a celebration of sorts after eluding Moscow police and anti-gay foes in two gay demonstrations Sunday.

A small group of protesters led by rights leader Alexeyev held pride flags and banners outside the famed Tchaikovsky music conservatory. They chanted, “No to homophobia,” and, “Tchaikovsky was gay.” A second demonstration was held at a building in front of Moscow's City Hall where a banner was hung reading “Rights For Gays and Lesbians – homophobia of mayor Luzhkov to be prosecuted.” The police quickly pulled it down. Hundreds of balloons were set free over Moscow.

Both demonstrations lasted only minutes before police arrived. The demonstrations are what goes for Pride in Moscow since mayor Yuri Luzhkov called homosexuality “satanic.” Luzhkov has denied the group a parade license since 2006 and called the actions “criminal.”

Initial reports on Sunday left journalists guessing when Russian radio Ekho Moskvy reported up to 15 people were detained. In fact, police only detained counter demonstrators who had gathered around City Hall – assuming gay activists would rally there.

Four gay activists were later arrested by the police in an apartment. Witnesses at the scene told Ukgaynews.org.uk that the police forced their way into the apartment by breaking down the door. The four members were held in custody overnight and charged with “taking part in an unsanctioned demonstration and for not obeying an order from the police.”

Russian gay websites went down on Sunday, leaving activists to believe the government was attempting to censor their victory.

The demonstrators kept police and counter demonstrators at bay by moving quickly, leaving Alexeyev to report at the end, “The Police Chief arrived to witness his incompetence in [not] being able to prevent our two actions.”